VIDEO: Super pet Azerley a step nearer Crufts glory

The seven-year-old lad’s golden labrador Azerley transformed autistic Cohen’s life after joining the family - and is now in the running for glory at Crufts.

As well as autism, Cohen has global developmental delay, a hearing impairment and epilepsy.

His condition meant he used to feel anxious and didn’t want to speak to his family and friends.

But when autism assistance dog Azerley arrived in August 2014, his life was transformed.

The Maltby Hilltop School pupil grew in confidence and began interacting with the world around him, thanks to the bond he had with the new addition to the Hadfield family.

Golden labrador Azerley - who joins Cohen, brother Joshua (12), mum Sarah (34) and dad Chris (35) in their Kilnhurst home - is now one of four dogs in the running for an award at this year’s Crufts, which will be held in Birmingham in March.

Sarah said: “From the first day we had Azerley, the difference has been incredible.

“Cohen is a lot calmer and more engaged and his school has noticed a big change too.

“At around 18 months old, Cohen started to regress in his speech and eye contact, it was heartbreaking to see.

“But since Azerley has arrived, Cohen has started using words and phrases and can even sing now. 

“Last year was the first time we have been able to go to the cinema as a family. 

“It’s just simple things but it makes such a difference to family life.”

Azerley and Sarah will now make the trip to Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre on Sunday, March 13 for the judging of the Kennel Club’s Eukanuba Friends for Life award.

Sarah said: “It's a huge honour to be nominated and in the final of the Eukanuba Friends for Life competition. It's a great privilege and it's recognition for how hard Azerley has worked.”

“He's had a huge impact on our family. He's given us our life back.”

The overall winner of the competition will be determined by the dog who gains the most votes from the public.

The winning owners will receive £1,500 from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust for the charity of the choice, with the other finalists receiving £1,000. 

Voting closes at 2pm on Sunday, March 13, and the winner will be revealed in the Genting Arena at Crufts that evening. 

To vote for your Azerley text AZ to 82727. Each text vote will cost £1 plus the standard network rate. 

All profits from votes will be donated to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust to help make a difference for dogs. 

For full terms and conditions, please visit www.crufts.org.uk/fflterms, or for more information about the competition, visit www.crufts.org.uk/content/eukanuba-friends-for-life-2016